Volume Element, In Particular A Device For Water Sports

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a volume element comprising at least one first chamber which can be filled with a gas and can thereby be inflated and which is at least partly delimited by a flexible first wall, at least one second chamber which can be filled with the gas and can thereby be inflated and which is at least partly delimited by the first wall that is arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber and partly by a flexible second wall, and at least one third chamber which can be filled with the gas and can thereby be inflated and which is at least partly delimited by a flexible third wall that is arranged between the second chamber and the third chamber and partly delimits the second chamber.

The invention relates to a volume element, in particular a water sports device.

For example, a volume element in the form of a water sports device can already be taken as known from US 2009/0049757 A1. There, the volume element is referred to as sandwich beam, which is inflatable with a gas. Hereto, the sandwich beam comprises a core with at least one internal chamber, which is inflatable with the gas. Therein, the internal chamber is delimited by an inherently at least substantially rigid material. From FR 2 516 887, a volume element formed as a water sports device can also be taken as known. From DE 31 09 016 A1, DE 88 05 969 U1 and DE 20 2012 005 185 U1, water sports devices are known.

It has become apparent that the production of geometries or structures of volume elements for example advantageous for water sports purposes, but which are complex, such as for example inflatable water sports devices is not or only very expensively possible. Such complex geometries, in particular variable thickness distributions, are not or not sufficiently inexpensive up to now and thus not realizable suitable for large scale. However, such geometries, in particular complex geometries, are desired and advantageous to realize advantageous characteristics of the volume element in the use thereof as or for a water sports device. Usually, there is the problem that the volume element has excessively wrinkles in its state inflated with gas. Such wrinkles can impair the optical impression of the volume element, but also the characteristics thereof, in particular in the use of the volume element as or for a water sports device. A production of the volume element such that the volume element does not have wrinkles or only slight wrinkles in its inflated state with realization of a particularly advantageous, but complex geometry or structure of the volume element at the same time, is not possible or else very expensively possible and thus possible in time-consuming and cost-intensive manner up to now.

Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a volume element inflatable with a gas, such that also a complex geometry or structure of the volume element can be particularly fast and inexpensively produced.

This object is solved by a volume element with the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations with convenient developments of the invention are specified in the remaining claims.

The volume element according to the invention comprises at least one first chamber, which is fillable with a gas, in particular air, and thereby inflatable, which is at least partially delimited by a first wall, which is inherently, that is taken alone, flexible and thus dimensionally instable. In addition, the volume element comprises at least one second chamber, which is fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, which is delimited in part by the first wall arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber and in part by a second wall, which is inherently, that is taken alone, flexible and thus dimensionally instable. For example, the second wall is formed separately from the first wall.

In addition, the volume element comprises at least one third chamber, which is fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, which is at least partially delimited by a third wall, which is arranged between the second chamber and the third chamber, partially delimits the second chamber and is inherently, that is taken alone, flexible and thus dimensionally instable. For example, the third wall is formed separately from the second wall and/or separately from the first wall. The respective wall is for example formed of or by an inherently, that is taken alone, flexible and thus dimensionally instable planar element such as for example a material web simply also referred to as web.

The first wall is connected to the second wall in at least one first connection point. The second wall is connected to the third wall in at least one second connection point. The first wall and the third wall are connected to at least one fourth wall of the volume element, which is inherently, that is taken alone, flexible and thus dimensionally instable and partially delimits the first chamber or the third chamber, in at least one third connection point. In particular, it is conceivable that the fourth wall is formed by or of a planar element, which is inherently, that is taken alone, flexible and thus dimensionally instable, such as for example a web or material web. The first wall and the third wall can be formed integrally with each other or the first wall and the third wall are formed separately from each other. For example, the second wall is formed separately from the first wall and/or separately from the second wall and/or separately from the fourth wall. For example, the fourth wall is formed separately from the first wall and/or separately from the third wall. Within the scope of the invention, by the respective connection point, a connection location also simply referred to as location is to be understood, which of course does not necessarily have an exactly one-dimensional extension like a point in the mathematical sense. At the or in the respective point, that is at the respective connection location, the respective walls are connected to each other, for example by adhering and/or stitching and/or welding.

Furthermore, it is provided according to the invention that in non-stretched and/or non-inflated state of the volume element, the, in particular mathematical, sum of a first length of the first wall extending from the third connection point up to the first connection point in continuous manner, that is without interruption, and of a second length of the third wall extending from the third connection point up to the second connection point in continuous manner, that is without interruption, corresponds to a third length of the second wall extending from the first connection point up to the second connection point in continuous manner and thus without interruption. In other words, for example, if the first length of the first wall is denoted by L1, the second length of the third wall is denoted by L2 and the third length of the second wall is denoted by L3, thus, it applies according to the invention:

L1+L2=L3.

Therein, it is preferably provided that the first length, the second length and the third length are each greater than 0. By the non-stretched state of the volume element, it is to be understood that the volume element is not stretched and thus not, in particular elastically, deformed. In other words, forces resulting in stretching of the volume element then do not act on the volume element and/or in the volume element. In the non-stretched state, the volume element cannot be filled with the gas or only be slightly filled or filled with a low amount of gas, but such that the volume element is still non-stretched. By the non-inflated state of the volume element, it is to be understood that the volume element is not inflated with the gas such that gas is not received in the volume element. In particular, the volume element for example assumes its non-stretched state if the volume element is simply lying on a bottom or a table non-inflated and non-stretched without external forces acting on the volume element and without the volume element being inflated or filled with the gas such that the volume element is stretched.

The invention is based on the realization that by the described lengths and in particular their ratio to each other, a particularly simple and thus fast and inexpensive production of the volume element in particular within the scope of mass or series production can be realized on the one hand. In particular, the volume element can be particularly simply and thus fast and inexpensively produced, in particular within the scope of a series and/or mass production, in its non-inflated and non-stretched state. On the other hand, a complex geometry or structure of the volume element can be realized in particular in its inflated state. In other words, an advantageous outer shape and/or, in particular variable, thickness distribution of the volume element can be provided, which has the complex geometry, structure, shape and/or in particular variable thickness distribution in its inflated and in particular and/or stretched state.

In order to be able to realize a particularly simple production on the one hand and a complex geometry, structure and/or shape of the volume element on the other hand, it is provided in a configuration of the invention that the first wall and the third wall adjoin to each other along a straight line at least in the non-inflated state of the volume element, wherein the first connection point and the second connection point are spaced from each other along a straight line, and wherein the third connection point is located in a plane extending perpendicularly to the straight line and between the first connection point and the second connection point, in particular on the straight line itself, at least in the non-inflated and/or non-stretched state of the volume element.

In order to be able to realize a particularly simple production, it is provided in further configuration of the invention that the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber are fluidically connected to each other.

A further embodiment is characterized in that the first wall comprises at least one passage opening, via which the first chamber is fluidically connected to the second chamber. Thereby, a particularly advantageous and simple production can be realized since excessive sealing and/or conducting measures can for example be avoided.

In order to be able to realize a particularly simple production, it is provided in further configuration of the invention that the third wall comprises at least one passage opening, via which the second chamber is fluidically connected to the third chamber.

In order to be able to keep the number of parts and thus the costs of the volume element, in particular for the production thereof, particularly low, it is provided in further configuration of the invention that the first wall is integrally formed and/or that the second wall is integrally formed and/or that the third wall is integrally formed.

Therein, it has proven particularly advantageous if the first wall is formed integrally with the third wall. Thereby, the number of parts and thus the costs can be kept particularly low.

In further configuration of the invention, the second wall is formed separately from the first wall and/or separately from the third wall. Thereby, the volume element can be produced in particularly simple and thus fast and inexpensive manner in that for example the second wall is assembled to the first wall and/or to the third wall. Herein, the inherently flexible planar element forming the second wall is in particular for example assembled to the planar element formed separately therefrom and forming the first wall and/or to the planar element formed separately therefrom and forming the third wall, and connected thereto in particular in their respective connection points.

In order to realize a particularly advantageous shape or geometry or structure of the volume element in particularly simple and inexpensive manner, it is provided in further configuration of the invention that the second wall has a shape different from a plane shape, in particular curved and very particularly outwardly or convexly curved shape, in the inflated state of the volume element.

In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that a connection of the second wall to the first wall or the third wall is omitted along the entire third length. Hereby, the costs for the production can be kept particularly low.

In further configuration of the invention, it is provided that the second wall is formed of an air-tight material. Hereby, excessive sealing measures can be avoided such that the volume element can be fast and inexpensively produced.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the first wall and/or the third wall are formed of an air-permeable material. Hereby, sealing measures and material costs can for example be kept to a particularly low extent.

A further embodiment is characterized in that an envelope element in particular formed separately from the walls is arranged on a side of the second wall facing away from the first wall and the third wall. Hereby, an advantageous geometry of the volume element can be provided on the one hand, and a surface for example advantageous for a person can be provided on the other hand, on which the person can for example particularly advantageously sit and/or stand. Preferably, the envelope element is a planar element, which is inherently flexible and thus flexible taken alone and thus dimensionally instable, which is preferably formed separately from the previously mentioned planar elements forming the walls and thus can also be a web material.

Preferably, at least one cavity or clearance is arranged between the envelope element and the second wall, which is preferably at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, filled with a filling material. The filling material is preferably formed separately from the walls and separately from the envelope element and provided in addition thereto. Preferably, the filling material is formed of a plastic, in particular of an elastomer and particularly preferably of polyurethane or silicone or the like. In particular, the clearance is sprayed with the filling material or the filling material is for example injected into the clearance. By the use of the filling material in the clearance, a particularly high stiffness and a particularly smooth surface can be provided.

Preferably, the envelope element forms a plane surface facing away from the walls at least in the inflated state of the volume element, on which the previously mentioned person can particularly advantageously sit and/or stand.

It has further proven particularly advantageous if the respective walls are connected to each other by stitching and/or adhering and/or welding. Hereby, the costs can be kept particularly low.

Finally, it has proven particularly advantageous if the volume element is formed as a water sports device, in particular as a surfboard, as a floating island, as an air mattress or the like.

It has proven further advantageous if, in the inflated state of the volume element, the second chamber is arranged at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, between the first chamber and the third chamber along the mentioned straight line. Thereby, both a particularly simple production and a particularly advantageous geometry or structure of the volume element can be provided. In particular, the previously mentioned structure or geometry of the volume element has a different or varying thickness distribution. Thereby, it is in particular to be understood that the volume element for example has a first length area with a first thickness and a second length area for example adjoining to the first length area with a second thickness different from the first thickness along its longitudinal extension and/or along its transverse extension, such that the second thickness is greater than or less than the first thickness. The respective thickness for example extends at least substantially along an extension direction and is related to the inflated state of the volume element, wherein the extension direction for example extends at least substantially perpendicularly to the previously mentioned surface formed by the envelope element in the inflated state of the volume element.

In particular, the following realizations are underlying the invention: in the area of inflatable products, for many applications, such as for example stand-up paddle boards, boat floors etc., the so-called drop-stitch material (spacer fabric) is used. It is two films of fabrics or knitted fabrics, which are connected to each other via spacer threads or spacer fibers. The spacer tissue, which is coated with an air-impermeable film such as for example of PVC or of PU for inflatable products, forms a flat shape in the inflated state. However, the fibers or threads, which each have the same length, therein prevent the product from assuming a round shape. However, the disadvantages of the drop-stitch technologies are in that a varying length of the spacer threads is not presentable up to now. Therefore, it is not possible with this technology up to now to produce the products with a varying thickness distribution. However, such a varying thickness distribution is particularly advantageous for characteristics of the volume element, in particular in the use thereof in a or as a water sports device. Furthermore, products in drop-stitch construction have a low bending stiffness, wherefore corresponding products are very thick and therein have a thickness of 6 inch, that is circa 15 centimeters. In addition, products in drop-stitch construction have poor attenuating characteristics. Vibrations only very slowly decay in corresponding products.

Now, at least the greatest disadvantages of the drop-stitch technology can be overcome by the invention. For example, the volume element comprises at least two tubes, which are arranged next to each other in particular in transverse direction of the volume element extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal extension of the volume element and are fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, wherein a first one of the tubes for example comprises or forms the first wall as well as optionally the fourth wall, and the second tube forms or comprises for example the third wall as well as optionally the fourth wall. The tubes are for example formed by tube elements, which are for example formed separately from each other. The first tube element or the first tube is for example formed by at least two layers arranged above each other, formed of an inherently flexible material and connected to each other along at least one seam. The second tube element or the second tube is for example formed by at least two layers arranged above each other, formed of an inherently flexible material and connected to each other along at least one second seam. For example, the tube elements are provided such that the seams are arranged on sides of the tube elements facing each other and have curvatures different from each other at least in respective length areas.

For example, the tubes each have respective free ends, wherein the tube elements are provided such that the free ends are spaced from each other, and wherein the ends are moved towards each other such that, before the tube elements or the volume element are or is overall inflated, the volume element has a three-dimensional shape, which resembles the shape of a kayak or a canoe, and wherein, as soon as the tube elements or the tubes are inflated with the gas, the shape of the volume element similar to the shape of a kayak or canoe disappears or reduces and the volume element becomes planar or flat on its top and bottom side. Thus, a method for producing a volume element according to the invention belongs to the invention.

For example by a changing or varying diameter of the tubes along the extension direction, in particular longitudinal extension direction, thereof, a corresponding thickness variation of the volume element in particular varying in longitudinal extension direction of the tubes and thus of the volume element can be achieved. The tubes or tube elements form a tube structure, which is for example encased by at least one or multiple further air-impermeable films such as for example the previously mentioned envelope element.

In particular, the invention allows providing a type of tube cluster, which can reconstruct the shape of complicated object shapes. In particular, the invention allows providing very high bending stiffnesses and good attenuating characteristics without the use of granules. As a result, the weight and the installation space requirement or the pack size of the volume element, in particular in its non-inflated state, can be kept low. In addition, a one-chamber system can be provided such that undesired, but optionally occurring leakages within the volume element are basically uncritical. By such leakages within the volume element, for example, basically undesired or not intended fluidic connections between the chambers are provided, but which cause only overflow of gas or air within the volume element and therein between the chambers, but do not result in escape of the gas to the outside, that is to an environment of the volume element. Leakages to the environment of the volume element can be simply repaired from the outside. A repair of leakages within the volume element is not required. In particular, a type of inflatable supporting structure can be provided by the tube cluster, whereby a high bending stiffness and a good attenuation can be presented. In addition, the production of the volume element can be simply automated such that the volume element or multiple volume elements can be simply and inexpensively produced.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as based on the drawing. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of figures and/or shown in the figures alone are usable not only in the respectively specified combination, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the invention.

The drawings show in:

FIG. 1 a schematic top view of a volume element according to the invention, formed as a water sports device, in particular formed as a surfboard, according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 a schematic sectional view of the volume element according to FIG. 1 along a sectional line A-A shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a further schematic sectional view of the volume element, wherein FIG. 3 serves for explaining a production of the volume element;

FIG. 4 partially a schematic and enlarged representation of an area of the volume element according to FIGS. 1 to 3;

FIG. 5 a further schematic sectional view of the volume element according to FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIG. 6 a schematic sectional view of the volume element according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 7 a schematic sectional view of the volume element according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 8 a schematic sectional view of the volume element according to a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 9 a schematic sectional view of the volume element according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 10 a schematic sectional view of the volume element according to a sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 11 a further schematic sectional view of the volume element according to a sixth embodiment, wherein FIG. 11 serves for explaining a production of the volume element according to the sixth embodiment.

In the Fig., identical or functionally identical elements are provided with identical reference characters.

FIG. 1 shows a volume element 10 in a schematic top view, which is fillable with a gas, in particular with air, and thereby inflatable, which is for example a water sports device in particular in the form of a surfboard or stand-up paddle board. In FIG. 2, the volume element 10 is apparent in a schematic sectional view along a sectional line A-A shown in FIG. 1. As is particularly well apparent from FIGS. 1 and 2, the volume element 10 comprises at least one first chamber 12, which is fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, which is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, delimited by an inherently flexible first wall 14. In addition, the volume element 10 comprises at least one second chamber 16, which is fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, which is delimited in part by the first wall 14 arranged between the first chamber 12 and the second chamber 16 and in part by an inherently flexible second wall 18. For example in synopsis with FIG. 3, it is apparent that the walls 14 and 18 are formed separately from each other. Moreover, the volume element 10 comprises at least one third chamber 20, which is fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, which is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, delimited by a third wall 22, which is arranged between the second chamber 16 and the third chamber 20, partially delimits the second chamber 16 and is inherently flexible. It is particularly well apparent in synopsis with FIG. 4, that the first wall 14 is connected to the second wall 18 in at least one first connection point P1. The second wall 18 is connected to the third wall 22 in at least one second connection point P2. In addition, the first wall 14 and the third wall 22 are connected to at least one fourth wall 24 of the volume element 10, which is inherently flexible and delimits the first chamber 12 and is inherently flexible, in at least one third connection point P3. In addition, the walls 14 and 22 are connected to a fifth wall 26, which is inherently flexible and partially delimits the chamber 20, in the third connection point P3.

Now, in order to realize a complex geometry of the volume element 10 particularly advantageous for example for a use of the volume element 10 as a water sports device as well as to be able to particularly simply and thus fast and inexpensively produce the volume element 10, it is provided that in the non-stretched and/or non-inflated state of the volume element 10, the sum of a first length L1 of the first wall 14 continuously extending from the third connection point P3 up to the first connection point P1 and a second length L2 of the third wall 22 continuously extending from the third connection point P3 up to the second connection point P2 corresponds to a third length L3 of the second wall 18 continuously extending from the first connection point P1 up to the second connection point P2. In other words, in the non-stretched and/or non-inflated state of the volume element 10, there applies:

L1+L2=L3.

Therein, the respective lengths L1, L2 and L3 are greater than 0 at least in the non-stretched and/or non-inflated state of the volume element 10.

Preferably, it is provided that at least in the non-inflated state of the volume element 10, the first wall 14 and the third wall 22 adjoin to each other along a straight line G, wherein the first connection point P1 and the second connection point P2 are spaced from each other along the straight line G. At least in the non-inflated and/or non-stretched state of the volume element 10, the third connection point P3 is located in a plane extending perpendicularly to the straight line and between the first connection point P1 and the second connection point P2, wherein the third connection point P3 can be located on the straight line G.

FIG. 4 shows the volume element 10 in its inflated state. In the inflated state of the volume element 10, the third connection point P3 is for example located in a plane extending perpendicularly to the straight line G, wherein the straight line G passes through the connection points P1 and P2. In addition, the connection point P3 is spaced from the straight line G in the inflated state of the volume element 10. It is particularly well apparent from FIG. 3 that the walls 14, 18, 22 and 24 as well as 26 are each integrally formed. For example, the walls 14 and 22 are formed integrally with each other. The wall 18 is for example formed separately from the wall 14 and/or from the wall 22. The walls 24 and 26 are for example formed integrally with each other. The wall 24 and/or 26 is formed separately from the wall 14 and/or from the wall 22 and/or from the wall 18.

In a first embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the walls 14 and 22 are formed by a presently integral layer 28 of the volume element 10. Therein, the layer 28 is a planar element, that is a web or web material, wherein the planar element is inherently flexible, that is dimensionally instable. The wall 18 is formed by a second layer 30, which is an inherently flexible and thus dimensionally instable planar element. The layers 28 and 30 are formed separately from each other and connected to each other. Therein, dashed lines in FIG. 3 illustrate connection locations V or connection areas, at or in which the layers 28 and 30 are connected to each other for example by stitching and/or welding and/or adhering. Therein, the connection points P1 and P2 belong to the connection locations V. In addition, it is apparent form FIG. 3 that a connection of the second wall 18 to the walls 14 and 22 is omitted along the entire third length L3 and along the entire length L1 and along the entire length L2. Thereby, the wall 18 can lift off from the walls 14 and 22 for example if the volume element 10 is inflated since the gas, in particular air, flows into the chamber 16 upon inflating.

The walls 24 and 26 are formed by a third layer 32 of the volume element 10, wherein the third layer 32 is also a flexible planar element or is formed by such a flexible planar element. Thus, the respective planar element is formed by an inherently flexible material and thus inherently flexible, that is dimensionally instable. The layer 32 is arranged separately from the layers 28 and 30, wherein the layers 32, 30 and 28 are formed separately from each other and connected to each other. For example, since the walls 14 and 22 are connected to the walls 24 and 26 at least in the connection point P3, the layers 28 and 32 are connected to each other at least in the connection point P3. For example, the layers 28 and 32 can be connected to each other by stitching and/or welding and/or adhering.

Further, it is apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3 that the chambers 12 and 20 are tube-like or tubular and thus are respective tubes, which are arranged next to each other in transverse direction of the volume element 10. Therein, the transverse direction of the volume element 10 is illustrated by a double arrow 34. The chambers 12 and 20 and thus the tubes and the volume element 10 overall have a longitudinal extension illustrated by a double arrow 36, which extends perpendicularly to the transverse direction. In other words, the double arrow 36 illustrates a longitudinal extension direction of the volume element 10 and thus of the tubes, wherein the longitudinal extension direction extends perpendicularly to the transverse direction.

For example, the volume element 10 comprises a fourth layer 38, which is formed by a preferably integral and flexible planar element. The respective layer 28, 30, 32 and 38, respectively, is preferably formed integrally and/or by a flexible planar element, that is by a flexible web or by a flexible web material. The previous and following explanations to the layers 28 and 30 can be readily also transferred to the layers 32 and 38 such that the wall 24 then for example has the function of the wall 14 and the wall 26 has the function of the wall 22 in this respect. The layers 28, 30, 32 and 38 are arranged on top of each other or above each other. In addition, the layers 32 and 38 are connected to each other in respective connection areas VB illustrated in FIG. 3 by dashed lines, in particular by adhering and/or stitching and/or welding.

It is particularly well apparent from FIGS. 1 to 4 that the second wall 18 has a shape different from a plane shape and therein an outwards curved shape in the inflated state of the volume element 10, such that the wall 18 is outwards curved away from the walls 14 and 22 in the inflated state of the volume element 10. Preferably, it is provided that the wall 18 is formed of an air-tight material. In other words, it is preferably provided that the inherently flexible web forming the wall 18 is formed of an inherently flexible, but air-tight material. This preferably also applies to the layer 38. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the wall 14 and/or the wall 22 and/or the wall 24 and/or the wall 26 are formed of an air-permeable material. In other words, it is conceivable that the layer 28 and/or 32 is formed of an inherently flexible and air-permeable material.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the volume element 10. Therein, at least one envelope element 40, which is preferably formed separately from the walls 14, 22, 18, 24 and 26, is arranged on a side of the second wall 18 facing away from the first wall 14 and the third wall 22. For example, the envelope element 40 is a further layer 42, which can for example be formed by an inherently flexible material, that is for example by an inherently flexible web. Therein, it is conceivable that the envelope element 40 or the layer 42 is formed of a flexible and air-tight or air-permeable material. In the inflated state of the volume element 10, the envelope element 40 preferably forms a surface 46 facing away from the walls 14, 18 and 22 and facing an environment 44 of the volume element 10, which is preferably at least substantially planarly or flatly formed in the inflated state of the volume element 10.

The same can be transferred to the layer 38. Therein, an envelope element 48 is provided, which can be a further layer 50 of the volume element 10. Preferably, the envelope element 48 is formed separately from the layers 28, 30, 32, 38 and 42 and arranged on a side of the layer 38 facing away from the walls 24 and 26. For example, the layer 42 is connected to the layer 30 in particular by adhering and/or stitching and/or welding. Alternatively or additionally, the layer 50 is for example connected to the layer 38 in particular by adhering and/or stitching and/or welding.

Overall, it is apparent from FIGS. 1 to 5 that the volume element 10 has a film construction, in which the layers 28, 30, 32, 38 or 28, 30, 32, 38, 42 and 50 form or are respective films of the film construction arranged on top of each other or above each other. Therein, at least the chambers 12 and 20 are inflatable tubes, which presently extend in longitudinal extension direction or longitudinal extension of the volume element 10. The respective layer 28, 30, 32, 38 is for example an inherently flexible semi-finished product, which can be a fabric, knitted fabric, scrim or another, in particular planar, textile. The respective layer 28, 30, 32 and 38, respectively, is at least substantially two-dimensional, that is a planar element, in its original and thus for example in non-inflated and non-stretched state.

In that the sum of the lengths L1 and L2 corresponds to the length L3, the or all of the films can for example at least substantially be planarly laid on top of each other and connected to each other. Hereby, the volume element 10 can be particularly simply and thus fast and inexpensively manufactured. For example, it is conceivable that the layers 28 and 32 are connected to each other, for example stitched to each other, in the state planarly laid on top of each other, non-stretched and non-inflated state. Thereupon, the layers 28 and 30 or 32 and 38 are for example connected to each other, in particular adhered to each other or welded to each other, in the state planarly laid on top of each other. This is all effected in the state of the films flatly or planarly laid on top of each other and can therefore be effected with the aid of corresponding stitching systems, presses, welding systems or the like such that the volume element 10 can be fast and inexpensively produced. Only in or by inflating the volume element 10 or the films connected to each other, a three-dimensional structure of the volume element 10 arises. Preferably, the condition L1+L2=L3 applies to each partial area of the volume element 10. Therein, it is advantageous if the gas or a pressure caused by the gas can spread in all of the partial areas. Hereto, a one-chamber system is preferably provided, which includes that for example at least or all of the chambers arranged between the layers 30 and 38 and thus for example the chambers 12, 16 and 20 are fluidically connected to each other.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show a second, third and fourth embodiment, respectively. As is apparent from FIGS. 6 to 8, complex geometries such as for example a thickness of the volume element 10 in particular varying in transverse direction of the volume element 10 can be particularly simply provided.

FIG. 9 shows a fifth embodiment, in which the previously mentioned one-chamber system is for example exemplarily illustrated based on the chambers 12 and 16. Therein, the wall 14 preferably inherently integrally formed comprises a passage opening 52, via which the chambers 12 and 16 are fluidically connected to each other. Thus, the passage opening 52 is an air passage between the chambers 12 and 16 such that they are fluidically connected to each other. This can be transferred to the or all of the other chambers, in particular between the layers 30 and 38. For example, if the layers 28 and 32 are connected to each other and/or to the respective layer 30 or 38 by stitching and thereby for example along at least or exactly one seam, which is not inherently air-tight, thus, this seam can function as an air passage and thus as a fluidic connection of the respective chambers. For example, if the respective layer 28 or 32 is inherently air-permeable and thus not air-tight, thus, a fluidic connection of the chambers to each other arises thereby, and special connection measures for fluidically connecting the chambers can be avoided. Preferably, the layers 30 and 38 are air-impermeable, that is air-tight. In addition, it is advantageous if the layers are air-tightly connected to each other in their respective edge areas R. Preferably, the layers 28 and 32 are air-tightly connected to each other in their edge areas R. Alternatively or additionally, the layers 30 and 38 are air-tightly connected to each other and/or to the layers 28 and 32 in their edge areas R or the layers 28 and 30 are mutually air-tightly sealed in their edge areas R and/or the layers 30 and 38 are air-tightly sealed against each other and/or against the layers 28 and 32 in their edge areas R. For example, the envelope elements 40 and 48 are applied from the outside to the layers 28, 30, 32 and 38 forming a four-film compound and can form a respective smooth or planar surface such that a person can for example particularly advantageously sit and/or stand on the respective envelope element 40 or 48, in particular on the surface 46 or 54 thereof.

In order to inflate the volume element 10 and to introduce the gas, in particular air, into the chambers 12, 16 and 20 hereto, preferably, at least or exactly one valve 21 apparent from FIG. 9 is provided.

From FIGS. 10 and 11, a sixth embodiment is apparent, in which more than four films are provided between the outer or outermost envelope elements 40 and 48. In other words, it is preferably provided that the envelope elements 40 and 48 are the outermost layers or films of the volume element 10 such that the surfaces 46 and 54 are the preferably outermost ones in completely produced state of the volume element 10 and thus are optically and haptically perceivable by a person located in the environment 44 of the volume element 10. The previous and following explanations to the lengths L3, L2 and L1 and in particular their ratio to each other can readily also be transferred to the sixth embodiment. In FIG. 10, the respective corresponding lengths are designated by S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S8 and S9, wherein it applies:

S1+S2=S3+S4+S5

S4+S6=S8

S5+S7=S9.

According to the same scheme or principle, the structures can be constructed with arbitrarily many films or layers. In FIG. 11 too, dashed lines illustrate respective connection locations or connection areas, in which the corresponding films are connected to each other for example by stitching and/or adhering and/or welding.

It is apparent from FIGS. 4 and 6 that at least one clearance 19 is arranged or multiple clearances 19 are arranged between the envelope element 40 and the wall 18, in particular between the envelope element 40 and the layer 30. The respective clearance 19 is delimited in part by the wall 18 or the layer 30 and in part by the envelope element. Preferably, a filling material is arranged in the clearance 19, which is preferably formed separately from the envelope element 40 and separate from the wall 18 or the layer 30 and is provided in addition thereto. Thus, the clearance 19 is at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, filled or filled up with the filling material. Preferably, the filling material is an elastomer, in particular polyurethane or silicone. For example, the filling material is injected into the clearance 19. Alternatively or additionally, the filling material is a foam or foam element. In other words, the clearance can be at least partially, in particular at least predominantly or completely, foamed with the filling material. By the filling material, a particularly high stiffness and a particularly smooth surface 46 can be provided. 

1. A volume element comprising: at least one first chamber, which is fillable with a gas and thereby inflatable, the first chamber being at least partially delimited by an inherently flexible first wall, at least one second chamber, which is fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, the second chamber being delimited in part by the first wall arranged between the first chamber and the second chamber, and in part by an inherently flexible second wall, and at least one third chamber, which is fillable with the gas and thereby inflatable, the third chamber being at least partially delimited by a third wall, which is arranged between the second chamber and the third chamber, partially delimits the second chamber and is inherently flexible, wherein: the first wall is connected to the second wall in at least one first connection point, the second wall is connected to the third wall in at least one second connection point, the first wall and the third wall are connected to at least one inherently flexible fourth wall of the volume element in at least one third connection point, the fourth wall partially delimiting the first chamber or the third chamber, and in a non-stretched and/or non-inflated state of the volume element, the sum of a continuously from the third connection point up to the first connection point extending first length of the first wall and of a continuously from the third connection point up to the second connection point extending second length of the third wall corresponds to a continuously from the first connection point up to the second connection point extending third length of the second wall.
 2. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein: at least in the non-inflated state of the volume element, the first wall and the third wall adjoin to each other along a straight line, the first connection point and the second connection point are spaced from each other along the straight line, and at least in the non-inflated and/or non-stretched state of the volume element, the third connection point is located in a plane extending perpendicularly to the straight line and between the first and the second connection point.
 3. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the first chamber, the second chamber and the third chamber are fluidically connected to each other.
 4. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the first wall comprises at least one passage opening, via which the first chamber is fluidically connected to the second chamber.
 5. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the third wall comprises at least one passage opening, via which the second chamber is fluidically connected to the third chamber.
 6. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein: the first wall is integrally formed and/or the second wall is integrally formed and/or the third wall is integrally formed.
 7. The volume element according to claim 6, wherein the first wall is formed integrally with the third wall.
 8. The volume element according to claim 6, wherein the second wall is formed separately from the first wall and/or separately from the third wall.
 9. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the second wall has a shape different from a planar shape in the inflated state of the volume element.
 10. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein a connection of the second wall to the first wall and/or the third wall is omitted along the entire third length.
 11. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the second wall is formed of an air-tight material.
 12. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the first wall and/or the third wall are formed of an air-permeable material.
 13. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein an envelope element in particular formed separately from the walls is arranged on a side of the second wall facing away from the first and the third wall.
 14. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the respective walls are connected to each other by stitching and/or adhering and/or welding.
 15. The volume element according to claim 1, wherein the volume element is formed as a water sports device, in particular as a surfboard, floating island, air mattress or the like. 